City Manager's Weekly Info Bulletin 8/7/2015

Topics of Interest and Updates

Council, Cops Blanket Lakewood For National Night Out

Wherever you were in Lakewood on Tuesday night, chances were good that neighbors were celebrating National Night Out nearby.

Nearly 30 neighborhood NNO parties took place in Lakewood, all of which were intended to strengthen communities, make neighborhoods safer and, quite simply, to have fun.

Officials and members of the Lakewood Police Department attended the parties as well. They included:

Mayor Don Anderson

Deputy Mayor Jason Whalen

City Councilmember Marie Barth

City Councilmember Mike Brandstetter

City Councilmember Mary Moss

City Manager John Caulfield

Interim Police Chief Mike Zaro

Sgt. John Unfred

Lt. Jeff Alwine

Lt. Chris Lawler

Sgt. Mark Eakes

The parties offered their own neighborhood vibes, whether it was eating hot dogs and bouncing in the bouncy house at North American Lake Park (an event generously sponsored again by American Lake Credit Union) or watching the annual Parents-Crushers baseball game at Harry Todd Park in Tillicum.

To view pictures of some of the National Night Out events that took place throughout Lakewood on Tuesday night, visit the City's Facebook page
.

Studio Fitness Donates $8,000 to City

On Monday, Aug. 3, Studio Fitness awarded ‪the City of Lakewood an $8,000 check for its HealthyStart program. Shane Simmons & crew raised the money through their 2nd Annual Fun Run over the summer. The City of Lakewood thanks Studio Fitness for its generous donation. Be sure to check them out at http://personaltrainingnw.com
, Facebook
or Twitter
.

Independent Salary Commission Approves Increase For City Council

For only the second time since Lakewood became a City in 1996, members of the Lakewood City Council will see an increase in their monthly salaries.

A five-member, independent commission voted for the increases in late July following a trio of public meetings.

The sole mission of the City-appointed Independent Salary Commission
(ISC) – as prescribed by state law (RCW 35.21.015)
- was to determine whether Lakewood’s elected officials deserved a raise and, if so, by how much. It held three meetings to allow for public feedback on June 29, July 1 and July 21. It approved the increases at its final meeting. The increases go into effect this month.

Ultimately, two of the biggest factors in the ISC’s decision were that Lakewood City Councilmembers hadn’t seen an increase since 1997, and they were paid far less compared to other elected officials locally and of cities of similar size across Washington.

“Overall, the ISC felt an increase is long overdue,” ISC Chair Stephen Mazoff wrote in a July 21 memo. “The City Council would not have requested an increase.”

“This is a way to show appreciation for what is many times a thankless job, and an increase is well-deserved.”

Here is the new monthly salary structure for Lakewood City Councilmembers, based on position:

Position

Salary

Previous Salary

Mayor

$1,400

$900

Deputy Mayor

$1,300

$800

Councilmember

$1,200

$700

After Lakewood voters opted to incorporate in 1995, City Councilmember monthly salaries were set at $400 month. In 1997, salaries were set at $900 per month for the Mayor and $700 a month for the rest of the City Council. In 2013, the Deputy Mayor’s monthly salary rose to $800 per month.

Unlike some other Washington cities, Lakewood does not pay additional benefits for members of its City Council, meaning the only cost is each member’s monthly salary. It does, however, bring their pay in line with other cities their size. Here’s what other Washington cities (that operate under a Council/Manager form of government) compensate their elected officials every month:

Jurisdiction

Mayor

Councilmember

Lacey (45,320)

$1,500

$1,275

Lakewood (58,360)

$1,400

$1,200

Puyallup (38,670)

$1,333

$1,142

Tacoma (200,900)

$7,794

$3,534

University Place (31,420)

$1,688

$1,408

Jurisdiction

Mayor

Councilmember

Bellevue (134,400)

$1,950

$1,650

Kennewick (77,700)

$1,191

$992

Kirkland (82,590)

$1,400

$1,100

Lakewood (58,360)

$1,400

$1,200

Pasco (67,770)

$1,300

$1,000

Richland (52,090)

$1,340

$1,090

Shoreline (53,990)

$1,250

$1,100

Spokane Valley (92,050)

$975

$750

Vancouver (167,400)

$2,220

$1,781

Yakima (98,080)

$1,375

$1,075

Maintenance Work Limits Access to Tillicum From Northbound I-5

(This message is from the Washington State Department of Transportation)

The acclaimed and emotionally charged Indian film, "Water," is the opening selection and will show at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5. The film highlights the plight of Chuyia an 8-year-old Hindu girl who has been married and suddenly widowed. Custom demands she be sent away to a home where Hindu widows must live in penitence. Chuyia's feisty nature soon affects the other widows and causes them to question their faith and social status.

The film's director, Deepa Mehta, received death threats and arson attacks in an attempt to halt production of this controversial film. Ebert and Roeper gave the film "Two Thumbs Up." Time called the film "A Triumph." The film is two hours long, subtitled and rated PG-13. Additionally, Lakewood Arts Commissionmember Phil Raschke says a short discussion session will be held following the showing of the film. Read more about the Lakewood Asian Film Fest
.

Parks and Recreation

Lakewood Farmers Market

Did you know that there are only six more weeks of the Lakewood Farmers Market? Wow, is the summer going by fast. Be sure to stop by from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St. SW. Have you checked out some of the new vendors the market is featuring? No? Well, there's:

Hello Skin - selling handmade soaps for men and women

The Hound Dog Bakery - selling homemade, healthy dog treats

Tea Madame Tea Shop - selling ice tea made from premium loose leaf tea. (By the way, they are opening a store in Lakewood on the corner of Steilacoom Blvd and Bridgeport Way Oct.1)

City Council

The City Council will be holding a study session on Monday, August 10, 2015, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 6000Main Street SW. Agenda items for the meeting include:

Proclamation recognizing 28th and 29th District Legislators

Overview of the 2015 Legislative Session

The City Council will be holding a regular meeting on Monday, August 17, 2015, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 6000 Main Street SW. Agenda items for the meeting include:

Business showcase – RMG Club Oakbrook, Mr. Michael Moore, CEO

Adopt street vacation at Bridgeport Way and Lakewood Drive R-O-W

Adopt street vacation of a portion of 100th Street SW R-O-W

Approve ILA with the Town of Steilacoom for improvements on Steilacoom Blvd (Puyallup Street to Phillips Rd)